Description
A hearty and flavorful Sicilian chicken soup featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a rich tomato herb broth with fresh vegetables like spinach, carrots, and celery. This Italian comfort bowl is high in protein, easy to make in one pot, and ready in just 45 minutes, perfect for a wholesome weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cups chicken broth
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh spinach
Tomato and Seasonings
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Finishing Touches
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook until browned on all sides, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened and lightly golden, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Chicken and Broth Ingredients: Return the browned chicken to the pot. Stir in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, dried oregano, dried basil, and optional red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper. Stir well and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for added flavor.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a full boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender. If the broth is too thick, add up to 1/2 cup additional chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Add Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until just wilted, taking care not to overcook the greens.
- Finish with Parmesan: Remove the pot from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until it is fully melted into the broth, enriching the soup with a nutty and salty depth.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve immediately while hot for a comforting and nourishing meal.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and remove the skin and bones before serving.
- Feel free to add zucchini or bell peppers for extra vegetable variety and nutrition.
- If the soup is too thick, stir in additional chicken broth to achieve your preferred consistency.
- Use a good quality low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and maximize flavor.
- Do not skip the Parmesan cheese—it adds essential salty, nutty depth to the finished broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian, Sicilian
Keywords: Sicilian chicken soup, Italian chicken soup, high protein soup, tomato chicken soup, one-pot soup, comfort food, healthy soup, chicken thigh recipe, spinach soup, Parmesan chicken soup
